In bloom again

The cherry trees, in bloom again, 

Announce that Spring’s returned — 

At least to our community. 

But to other souls in other places, 

Winter’s on its way, or has deepened, 

What with war and unemployment 

And the ill effects of climate change. 

So our rejoicing has an edge of concern 

For all those for whom Spring brings only 

Emptiness, cold, and fear.

These divisions

We erect these walls to shield us; 

Surround ourselves with nature and with beauty, 

 Then peer fearfully out at the world beyond 

That we’ve shut out,

 Failing to understand 

That that which shields us 

Also isolates, 

And heightens our sense of vulnerability. 

Perhaps it’s time to venture out 

Beyond these false divisions we’ve created…

Intimidated

Intimidated as we are by the looming power 

Of those who would be king, 

We do our best to stay 

 Grounded, solid, strong in our ethics, 

United in believing in and protecting 

The rights of our fellow humans.

When troubles loom

When troubles loom,

 It helps to step away a bit, 

To gain a fuller perspective. 

Then we begin to see the possibilities; 

The steps we might begin to take 

To overcome the challenges ahead: 

A different route, or perhaps some gift 

We might not have anticipated…

The sun will rise again

Each night the sun goes down, 

Sometimes in flames of glory, 

And other evenings, hidden in the clouds. 

But each time, we leave 

The glory or the clouds behind:

 Time carries us away 

Into a future yet unknown. 

That moment’s gone, 

Yet still, we know and trust 

The sun will rise again.

A new breed of abolitionists

Could it be the time has come 

To step up; to take a stand 

For all who’ve been excluded; 

To become a new breed of abolitionists, 

 In favor of abolishing 

 All forms of cruel discrimination?

A light in the darkness

Beset on all sides by threatening clouds, 

She still shines bright, as should we: 

Like her, we exist; 

 We have agency, 

And are ignited from within 

By the bright light of spirit, 

Which shall not be extinguished.